Defying the Single Narrative of Black Girls’ Literacies: A Narrative Inquiry Exploring an African American Read-In

Abstract

This narrative inquiry explores an African American read-in entitled Black Girls Read! This read-in was organized by four Black, women scholars who, in celebration of Black History Month, continued the tradition of Black women throughout history who have resisted the dominant narrative perpetuated by mainstream culture. Attended by over 100 Black girls, the read-in provided an opportunity and a space for Black girls to connect with their cultural heritage and to build upon their individual, literate identities. A Black girls’ literacies framework was used to examine the diverse experiences of the attendees and to highlight the need for educational experiences that affirm the identities of Black girls and defy a single narrative of Black girls’ literacies.